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EMS Day set for Sunday at Quincy Mall

Adams County first responders Brad Miller and Donald Haage restock and clean an ambulance Thursday. The Quincy Mall will be hosting an EMS and Community
day on Sunday, where people will have a chance to talk to first responders and tour they vehicles they drive. | H-W Photo/Katelyn Metzger

QUINCY -- When paramedics and emergency medical technicians interact with the public, it can be at a time of extreme fear, especially for children.

Allowing the public a chance to see equipment and meet techs offers a chance to reduce anxiety when ambulances are called.

The Adams County Ambulance Service will host EMS Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in the southeast parking lot at the Quincy Mall.

Visitors can look at the ambulances and equipment that paramedics and EMTs use daily.

"It's a great environment for not only children but adults to get to see what we do, both EMS and the other first responder agencies that will be there, in a low-stress, fun environment," said lead paramedic Eric Nielsen. "It's not a time where you have to be worried because you need an ambulance. It's a perfect opportunity to have those questions answered."

Hands-only CPR demonstrations will be given, and the automated CPR devices will be on display.

EMS Day also will feature vehicles and equipment from fire and law enforcement agencies, and Illinois State Police will provide a K-9 demonstration.

Air Evac is slated to land at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot pending weather and its call volume.

Free hot dogs and soft drinks will be provided as supplies last.

The event will take place rain or shine.

An open house also is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Quincy ambulance station on Chestnut just west of 30th Street.

The open house will allow the public to visit with staff, view the station and see equipment demonstrations.

A bounce house will be set up for children, and refreshments will be provided, with kettle corn available.

EMS Day is the kickoff event for EMS Week.

Paramedics will read "Frederick the Paramedic" to students at four Adams County elementary schools next week.

"They're able to wrap up a simulated broken arm, and then we show them some of our equipment," Nielsen said.